She selected her best pair of sturdy boots, and put them on over her thick dark stockings. She dressed her hair, curling the front of it with tongs before sweeping up the back into a simple bun, and selected a plain black bonnet with a tiny edge of lace.
She headed downstairs, where she pensively picked at some toast until Clifford arrived. They exchanged long looks which spoke volumes. Desire shimmered between them like the heat haze of a warm summer's day. She noted how resplendent he looked in a chocolate brown coat, buff breeches and waistcoat, and well-polished brown boots, looking every inch the gentleman.
They exchange pleasantries, but Clifford could see that she was showing signs of strain. He asked her if she had passed a peaceful night. When she said she had, he began to probe further into her despondent mood.
"I'm just worried about Mason and Rogers coming tomorrow," she confided, not wishing him to think she was upset with him over what had happened in the hall between them last night.
He covered her hand with his own, and said, "It will be fine. We tell the truth, we state the terms we wish for our arrangements, as we have already discussed, and then we will marry. You have nothing to fear."
"Your man will be coming too, will he not?"
"Yes, of course. You have no need to fear him, however, as he will do as I have instructed. Alistair Grant is an old friend, very well respected, and climbing to the top of his profession as a fine barrister. I trust him implicitly to do whatever is fair, not only for myself, but for you as my wife, and for our children thereafter. He would be the executor of my will, so I should very much like you to become good friends."
"I will be delighted to meet all of your, er, Rakehell friends when the time comes." She returned the pressure of his hand, and then sprang away shyly as more of the family entered the room.
"Oh, don't mind us," Emma said breezily. "A little hand-holding is nothing to be ashamed of. Though speaking of hands, you'll need an engagement ring."
"Oh no, really."
"Yes, of course, how remiss of me," Clifford said, and hit himself on the forehead with the heel of his hand. "But then, Vanessa and I have already discussed the disposition of Mama's jewelry. And since, Henry, you bought Josephine a ring of her own, may Vanessa have Mother's?"
"Yes of course, anything she likes. She gets first choice," Henry said without a trace of reluctance.
"Thank you, but Josephine has the prior claim," Vanessa said kindly.
"Thank you, I am sure the two of you will be best of friends and able to work things out admirably between you. But in this case, yes, Josephine has the ring I gave her, so I should be delighted to see you wear Mother's."
Vanessa smiled. "To wear your mother's ring would be a great honor. Thank you both."
"I have asked the bankers to call later in the day tomorrow at Stone Court. Once we finish with the solicitors, I can show you our new home. If you and Josephine can accompany us there, Henry, we will all settle the matter of the jewels then."
"I shall ask Papa for the carriage," Josephine offered.
"No need to trouble him," Henry replied. "I shall walk back and send ours over. I need the exercise, and wish to look at one of the low-lying fields on the way back. I've heard reports that that field adjoining the forest is flooding again."
Vanessa was pleased to hear of his arrangements with the bankers. Clifford seemed confident that everything would be settled amicably by the end of the day.
The rest of the family came into the room in twos and threes to have a light repast before heading off to the local church, which the Jeromes and Stones had help found many years before. After the meal, they all walked over together. They sat in the top pews for over an hour listening to the long sermon with the rest of the gentry of the district. Then Clifford took Vanessa around and introduced her to the most important people he wished her to get to know.
All eyes were upon Vanessa, the woman with ten thousand a year who had been gambled away by her disreputable half-brother and was said to be mad herself. Vanessa tried to smile graciously at the many impertinent questions she had to answer. If Clifford had not been at her side she did not know how she would have managed. He had an uncanny knack for not giving anything away, but not being rude to anyone either.
"And now, if you will excuse us, we are expected back for dinner," Clifford said as he led her away from one vinegar-faced ferocious mama and her graceless daughter.
They turned away and ran straight into Peter and Toby Stephens. Both Clifford and Vanessa felt each other stiffen.