In the Shadow of Arabella Read Free

then?”
    “I have thought this through carefully and I have a plan, but I will need your help.”
    Charity shifted closer to the edge of the sofa, eager to hear how she could aid her friend.
    “My stepfather will be angry, but he cannot keep me from leaving. The property and its revenues are his, of course, but I have an income of my own.” Charity’s eyes widened, but she said nothing.
    “When my mother died,” Katherine continued, “her property—some of it inherited from my father—was settled in equal parts on Serena and me. As Serena’s guardian my stepfather still controls her half, most of which he spends on his horses soon after it arrives. Control of mine came to me when I turned twenty-one. I have been saving most of it the past several years and I believe I have enough. I am going to London with only one purpose—to find a husband.”
    Charity regarded her friend in some amusement for a moment and then suddenly sobered. “You are serious!”
    “Absolutely serious.”
    “But I have no intention of doing the Season,” Charity retorted. “I hate London. You know that. Mama is forcing me to go.”
    “Well, you will do me a great service if you will attend functions with me.”
    “But, Katy, what about Lord Parnaby? Have you given up hope that things might work out for the two of you?”
    “I still love James. I hope to see him when I am in town. When he understands my situation, surely he will help me.” She paused a moment, then continued grimly. “Sir Humphrey says James will never marry me, that he must marry an heiress.”
    “What if Sir Humphrey is right?”
    “Then I shall be forced to look elsewhere. I have been considering the matter, and I believe I should be able to find someone respectable who is willing to marry me. My family is good, if you discount my stepfather, and I have some money—”
    “But what if you cannot find anyone? You had three Seasons—”
    “And I had offers, too, you will remember. I will have to be less particular, that is all.”
    “I cannot believe I am hearing you say this!” Charity exclaimed. “You who have always said that if you cannot marry for love, you would prefer not to marry at all.”
    “That was before Sir Humphrey arranged a marriage between Serena and Archibald Postlethwaite.”
    “He did what? That is ludicrous! I mean, I knew Archie was interested, he even dangled after me once, but he is too old for Serena!”
    “Sir Humphrey does not think so. He told me today that all is settled. They even chose a date in the autumn.”
    “Katy, you cannot allow that child to marry such an old man. She would be wretched.”
    “I know. I also realize that I cannot remain in my present situation, never knowing what Sir Humphrey may do next. Of the limited options available to me, I choose marriage. With a husband I will have a home of my own, free of my stepfather’s control, and a safe place to take Serena. For I swear to you, Charity, she will never marry Archie Postlethwaite or any other man she does not wish to.”
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Chapter 2
    Lord and Lady Brent and their youngest daughter gathered in the green salon of their town house in Berkeley Square to await the arrival of their young relative from Lincolnshire. The Gazette absorbed Lord Brent, while his wife busied herself with a piece of fine embroidery. Eighteen-year-old Marie, an attractive brunette with soft brown eyes and a small, upturned nose, eagerly paged through the latest issue of her favorite fashion magazine.
    Sophia Brent was a kindhearted matron who had managed to retain her youthful figure through the births of seven children. Her husband, Marcus, having raised five daughters, had achieved a level of female tolerance unknown to many of his sex. He had grown accustomed to the atmosphere created by a house full of people. He always enjoyed the visits of his niece and had been pleased to hear that she was coming for an extended stay.
    * * * *
    The journey had exhausted Katherine and