Free Married: The Virgin Widow by Deborah Hale Page B

clothes?”
    Perhaps with the three thousand pounds he refused to believe she no longer had?
    “I have already discussed the idea with your mother,” replied Ford with vexing good humour. “She thinks it will do you all good to get up to London for a few frivolous days. As for the bills, have them sent to Hawkesbourne. By the time they arrive, we will be married and I will pay them gladly.”
    He had discussed it with her mother, but not mentioned it to her? Laura wished she could believe Belinda’s explanation, that Ford had planned the ball and the trip to London as surprises he hoped would please her. But it felt more like he was forcing her every move. Wasn’t it enough that he was compelling her to wed him? How much worse would it be when he gained a husband’s power over her?
    Before she could raise any further objections, their carriage came to a halt in front of the old parish church, St Botolph’s. The solid sanctuary of ivy-covered Horsham stone dated from Norman times.
    Laura sensed many eyes upon her and Ford as they took their seats in the right-hand front pew, which generations of Barretts had occupied before them. Across the aisle sat the other noble family of the parish, the Dearings. The young Marquis of Bramber was not in attendance, but his great-uncles, Lord Edward and LordHenry, were there along with his sisters, Lady Artemis and Lady Daphne. The latter, a vivacious little beauty with wide blue eyes and golden curls was a particular friend of Susannah’s.
    Laura had never managed to strike up a close acquaintance with the proud, reserved Lady Artemis. Though the two sisters shared a certain similarity in their fine features, their overall looks were as opposite as a glittering ray of sunshine and a cool, shimmering moonbeam. Lady Artemis was tall and slender, with raven hair, alabaster skin and striking violet eyes.
    This morning she looked across the aisle and acknowledged Laura with a polite nod. Or had that been meant for Ford?
    Susannah’s warning echoed in Laura’s mind. I’m sure either of Lord Bramber’s sisters would have him before you could bat an eye. Despite her conflicting feelings about Ford and her reservations about marrying him, jealousy wrung Laura in its tight, possessive grip.
    Following the Second Lesson, the curate mounted the lectern and spoke in a loud voice. “I publish the Banns of Marriage between Ford, Lord Kingsfold of Hawkesbourne, and Laura, Dowager Lady Kingsfold of Hawkesbourne. If any of you know cause, or just impediment, why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is the first time of asking.”
    A furtive murmur stole through the sanctuary after the banns were read. Though Laura pretended not to hear, her ears tingled furiously. She could imagine what was being said. Censorious whispers had dogged her ever since she’d come to Hawkesbourne, as Cyrus Barrett’shastily wed young bride, with her dependent family in tow. She’d hoped her decorous conduct over the years might improve their neighbours’ opinion of her. Now she wondered if that had been wishful thinking.
    Once the service concluded, a throng of neighbours surrounded Ford at the church door to welcome him home and offer congratulations on his betrothal. Shunted aside by the crush of people jostling to speak to him, Laura drifted into the churchyard where she found Sidney Crawford standing off by himself.
    She could not help notice the longing looks he cast in Belinda’s direction as her sisters engaged in animated conversation with Lady Daphne. “I think my sister looks especially pretty this morning, don’t you?”
    “I have never seen her anything less than beautiful.” The words seemed to burst out before he could stop them. “I beg your pardon, my lady! I meant no offense.”
    “None was taken, I assure you.” Laura edged a little closer to him, lowering her voice so as not to be overheard. “I am certain Belinda would be