Arabella Read Free Page B

her in silence, clearly uncertain of how to respond to this information, but Arabella clapped her hands and laughed.
    'How clever you are, cousin.  I wondered how you could live in such a fine house for its upkeep must be vastly expensive – but now I begin to see how it may be done.'
    'Would you not prefer to marry Sir John?' Nan asked frowning.  'If you suit one another so well…'
    'Unfortunately, Sir John must get an heir fairly soon if he is to protect his name and fortune,' Lady Mary replied, a hint of sadness in her voice.  'I have had three husbands and no children.  I believe that I am barren, and I would not rob my friend of the chance of his heir.  I shall help him to find a suitable wife, and he will give me a handsome present when he marries.'  She shrugged her shoulders.  'I can find another protector…'
    'Does every lady conduct herself in this manner in London?' Arabella asked curiously.  'I have thought I should like to marry a man I could love.'
    'Save your romantic ideals for your lover,' her cousin replied and looked at Nan.  'What are your thoughts on marriage, my dear?'
    'I believe I shall marry for wealth and position,' Nan said looking thoughtful.  'I have heard that the intimate side of marriage is almost always disappointing.'
    'Where did you hear that?'  Arabella was surprised.   Lady Mary's openness about such things was not a shock to her, for London manners were more sophisticated in these matters – but it surprised her that her sister should speak so boldly. 'You have never said a word of this to me.'
    Nan flushed.  'It was just something I overheard Mistress Featherstone saying to Mama once -– and Mama agreed.'
    'It is not always so,' Lady Mary said, seeming amused.  'But the pleasures of the bedchamber are more likely to be found with a lover than a husband.'
    Arabella thought that it would depend on the husband, her mind picturing the handsome face of the man she had detected hiding behind the painted screen.  The expression in Lord Sylvester's eyes as he looked at her had set up a tingling at the base of her neck.  She believed that pleasure would be found in the bed of such a man, but was wise enough to keep her opinions to herself.
    Lady Mary was regarding her with speculation, almost as if she could read her mind.  'I dare say you are both weary from your journey,' she said.  'I shall let you retire to your chamber, where you may rest and refresh yourselves.  We dine en famille this evening, for you must both have new gowns before you go into company.  I have arranged for a seamstress to wait on us tomorrow.'
    'You are generous, ma'am,' Arabella said and went impulsively to kiss her cheek.  'I am glad we came to you, and I hope we shall both be a credit to you.'
    'La, child, that was a pretty speech,' Lady Mary said and flicked her cheek with her fingertips.  She reached for a bell on the table beside her and rang it.  Mrs Boswell appeared promptly.  'Be guided by me, my dears, and you will soon find yourselves being driven everywhere in your own carriages.'
    The sisters thanked her again, and then followed Mrs Boswell from the room.  Nan was silent as the housekeeper took them down the landing and up a short flight of stairs, though Arabella chattered to Mrs Boswell as they walked.
    'Well, here we are, m'dears,' the housekeeper said, opening a door for them.  'Everything has been done for your comfort – but should you need anything you have only to ring.'
    'Oh, this is lovely,' Arabella cried, unable to contain herself as she saw the richness of the brocade furnishings.  'I am sure we shall be very comfortable here.'
    'Then I shall leave you to rest.'
    'How fortunate we are!' Arabella said to her sister as the door closed behind the buxom Mrs Boswell.  'I had hoped – but this house exceeds my expectations.'
    'Yes, indeed it is a fine house,' Nan said but seemed doubtful.
    'What is worrying you, sister?'
    'I had not thought our cousin would have quite