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HIS LORDSHIP'S BRIDE

by Abigail Armani


England 1910

As the lash of the rain battered the windows and the trees beyond the house bent beneath the frenzied wind, the old man shifted in his chair by the inglenook fireplace, his gnarled fingers grasping the rug that covered his legs and feet. Age sat heavily on his frame and his old bones ached from the winter chill, but his blue eyes still gleamed with vigour. From the west came an ominous rumble of thunder, and as the teeming rain continued, lightning struck blue in a black afternoon sky. Yet the flames from the pine logs blazed bright, illuminating the expectant faces of those gathered round. The two youngest were fast asleep, contentedly curled up in a ball near the hearth. The older ones waited patiently, for they had been promised their favourite story, and a story was what he would give them.

"I shall tell you a story," the old man began, "a very special story of love and loss, courage and adventure." He raised his cup to his lips and sipped the hot liquid. And as the tongues of red flame flickered and danced within the heart of the crackling fire, his old eyes took on a faraway look as he harnessed his thoughts and began his tale.


England 1839

Lord and Lady Thoresby had one daughter, Elizabeth. She was beautiful and clever and high spirited, and was quite unlike her aristocratic parents in that she had little regard for social mores. Wealth and high-ranking titles and position in society were of no interest to her. Her loves in life were books and horses. Unlike other well-bred young ladies of her age and station, she avoided embroidery and filigree work, and didn't give a stuff about drawing and painting, preferring to ride the hills and dales, tend to the horses, or curl up in her room with a book. She read avidly and absorbed information eagerly and with great enjoyment.

To the despair of her parents who wanted a good match for their only daughter, Elizabeth shrugged off countless suitors. They were either too fat, or too thin, or too stupid, boring or ugly. It wasn't until she was seventeen that Elizabeth began to show any interest in the opposite sex, and the object of her affections was not the son of a Duke or a Lord or a Baronet, but a common groom. His name was Edward Lovell, and along with two other grooms, he was employed by Lord Thoresby to tend the horses in his stable. It was ironic that Lady Thoresby inadvertently initiated the relationship between Lovell and her daughter.

"Elizabeth! Out riding again?! This is the third time today."

"Yes mother, it is. I love riding, you know that ... and we have so many horses that need to be ridden daily. I'm helping Papa out by exercising them."

Lady Thoresby gave a derisive snort and shook her head. "It isn't seemly for a young woman to ride out alone. Take Molly or Sophie with you."

"What? Those two can't ride for toffee. Dear Molly is too fat to fit into the saddle, and Sophie turns white at the mere sight of a horse, let alone being made to ride one!"

Lady Thoresby was forced to concede the truth of this. Both housemaid's were hopeless in the saddle. "Then take one of the grooms out with you from now on. I forbid you ever to ride out alone. Is that clear?"

Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest at the imminent loss of her freedom, but then the laughing brown eyes and handsome face of Edward Lovell popped into her mind. She knew he liked and respected her. It wasn't as though they had shared any deep and meaningful conversations, but they had spoken at length about horses and books. Edward could read and write fluently, having been taught at an early age by his mother, and like Elizabeth, he loved to read. She had smuggled books out of Papa's library for him. It was their secret. She liked him. She liked him a lot, and suddenly, the prospect of daily riding with him was quite thrilling.

With a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders and a toss of her head, she pursed her lips. "Do I have to, Mother?"

"You most certainly do, Elizabeth. I want you accompanied by one of the grooms whenever you venture out."

"Very well then, Mother. I shall tolerate it," said Elizabeth, smiling inwardly.

"See that you do, child," Lady Thoresby said, and rang the bell. Over a cup of tea she would give some more thought to another eligible suitor for her wayward daughter. She smiled at the thought of Sir Gervase Morden.

Sir Gervase had recently acquired the Meadowfield estate, a rather grand house 10 miles away, with 50 acres of woodland and pasture. Local society had shown considerable interest in the new neighbour as his pedigree was excellent and his bank balance was by all accounts, quite astronomical. He was 40 years of age and still single. Lady Thoresby smiled grimly. If she had her way, he would not be single for long. Being older than Elizabeth by over 22 years would be no obstacle to a successful marriage. Lady Thoresby deliberately ignored the fact that Sir Gervase was grossly overweight with a bright pink florid complexion, and had a reputation for being odious. Her mission was to get Elizabeth wedded to the best suitor. The girl would soon settle down and produce an heir for Meadowfield.

Sitting at her writing desk, Lady Thoresby began to plan the wedding. It would be a grand affair, with no expense spared. The guest list would be comprised of all the best people in the country. It was with some reluctance that she put down her list of potential attendees to focus instead on the more immediate situation. They would hold a ball at Thoresby Hall. Yes, a ball to celebrate Elizabeth's eighteenth birthday, two months from now! Perhaps, if she could arrange for Sir Gervase to pay court to her daughter very soon, there could be an announcement at Elizabeth's birthday ball - an announcement of her engagement to the counties most eligible bachelor, Sir Gervase Morden.

Lady Thoresby clapped her hands in excitement and her eyes shone. She must speak to her husband about this matter immediately. There was much to do.


As Elizabeth entered the stable, Edward Lovell looked up from polishing tack. His face broke into a smile at the sight of her.

"Morning, Miss Elizabeth."

"Good morning, Edward. Guess what?"

"What? It must be something good to make you look so happy." He got up from his stool and faced her. "Are you going to tell me?"

"Mother has forbidden me to ride out alone."

"She has?" Edward's face fell. "That's dreadful news and nothing to smile about, if you don't mind me saying so."

"Instead, I am to ride out accompanied by a groom at all times. That means you, Edward Lovell." She felt her cheeks flame as she blushed furiously.

"You're serious? She really said that?! Why - that's the most marvellous news ever!" Edward laughed in delight. "I'm your man, my lady," he made a mock bow. "Shall we go at once?"

"Yes! Yes! Let's take the woodland path and then head over the moors for a mad gallop," enthused Elizabeth.

"I'll saddle Bryony for you," he smiled, unable to believe his good fortune. For the past few months the long days and even longer nights had passed with thoughts of Miss Elizabeth whirling round his head. For as long as he could remember, he had pined for a few brief moments in her company, and now ... and now his life was about to change in the most glorious way imaginable.

Edward went to Bryony's stall and quickly saddled her. She was a beautiful creature, dappled grey with dark intelligent eyes and a velvet muzzle. She could run like the wind, and had a wonderful temperament. The mare whickered softly as Elizabeth came close to stroke her soft mane. Horse and rider shared a deep bond. They loved each other, it was as simple as that. Edward understood fully. He also knew that he loved Miss Elizabeth to distraction. He always had and he always would. It was as simple as that.

Within minutes, the pair were crossing the courtyard, the horses hooves clattering loudly on the cobbles. Bryony was slightly ahead, with Edward close behind riding Pluto, a big bay with a reddish-brown coat. His mane, tail, and lower legs were black, and his lovely dark eyes surrounded by lighter hairs gave the beast an almost gleeful look.

Once out of sight of Thoresby Hall, Edward drew level with Elizabeth and grinned at her.

"This is the best day of my life," he told her. "So far," he added ambiguously.

They entered the wood, a magical place alive with birdsong and a thousand different shades of green. The path wound its way through the trees and was easily wide enough for two or three horses to ride abreast

"So far? Now what could be better than riding out with me, I wonder," laughed Elizabeth.

To ride out with you beside me as my wife. Edward smiled. It could never be. But a man could dream. "Nothing at all. Come on - I'll race you!"

They laughed as their horses carried them, no one animal gaining the advantage, and when they emerged from the woodland path and out on to the moors, Elizabeth leaned forward in the saddle and urged Bryony forward. The animal responded immediately. Edward had the notion that he would let her win, but in truth was hard pressed to keep up with her. Pluto loved to run free, but the mare had the edge in speed and agility. Chuckling, Edward raced after her.

It was an exhilarating ride, the horses hooves pounding over the grass, galloping so fast it seemed as though they were flying, guided by the two experienced riders. Neither Elizabeth or Edward faltered. Edward was an expert horseman and Elizabeth was his equal. When they eventually reigned in their mounts, there were beads of perspiration on Edward's brow. He noticed how lovely Elizabeth looked, even with her hair in disarray. The ride had unleashed her pins and her golden-brown curls hung in long ringlets.

She laughed as she dismounted and led Bryony to the brook for a drink. Edward followed suit, priding himself on his foresight, for in his saddlebag were four juicy red apples.

"One each," he smiled, laughing as the horses chomped theirs loudly and appreciatively. Stretching out on the grass, he bit into his own apple and watched as Elizabeth ate hers. It seemed the most natural thing in the world for her to fling herself down next to him on the soft moss. They ate, talked and laughed and their mutual attraction grew as their friendship developed.

They rode together every day, morning and late afternoon. Nothing was said. No eyebrows were raised nor suspicion voiced. Edward was always deferential and polite in public. No one could accuse him of not knowing his place. About a week after that first glorious ride, they set out again. In his saddle bags Edward had packed an early lunch, which they ate whilst sat beneath the canopy of an ancient oak. The sunlight filtered through the overarching canopy of leaves, alternately casting dappled shadows and spots of light. It created a strange, almost mystical effect. And it was on that occasion that Edward forgot his place. He leaned across and kissed Elizabeth full on the lips.

"I've been wanting to do that for so long," he said huskily. "And if I am dismissed because of it, I will have no regrets. It was worth it."

"Dismissed? Who said anything about being dismissed? That kiss was an absolute pleasure. Edward ... could you ...will you ... kiss me again?"



© Abigail Armani
Not to be reposted, reproduced or distributed, in part or whole.