Free The Seventh Suitor by Laura Matthews

benefit and not for the sake of outshining Lord Winterton or even pleasing Charity .
    His partner, Benjamin Karst, had at first been puzzled by Ralph’s growing interest in technical matters and had teased him unendingly. But he was loath to set his ignorance against Ralph’s growing knowledge, and he secretly began to study the subject as well. Benjamin and Ralph were to conclude the purchase of the farm on the following day, and Ralph was anxious to push for some enlightenment on Charity’s feelings. So he bribed a footman to call Susan away from the garden on an imaginary errand and, with hands clasped nervously behind his back, approached Charity, who was seated in the arbor.
    “Miss Martin-Smith, I would beg a word with you,” he began.
    Charity’s natural poise did not desert her, for she had realized that this moment must come, but inwardly she quaked at what she must do. “Mr. Montgomery, do be seated. Can I assist you is some way?” she asked, her manner not at all encouraging.
    “I have come to cherish the highest regard for you, Miss Martin-Smith . . . Charity. May I call you so?”
    “As it pleases you.”
    “I had hoped that you might return my regard,” he continued anxiously.
    “I am sure I regard you as a most congenial companion and friend,” Charity replied stiffly.
    “I don’t want to be your friend,” he sighed unhappily. “That is, I want to make you my wife.”
    Charity’s countenance remained placid, but lost some of its usual color. “Mr. Montgomery . . . Ralph . . . do not say so. You can scarce know me after a few weeks in the same house. You and your family have been so kind to me. I feel sure you are mistaken in your feelings, though I am honored by your interest in me. I must tell you that I have no intention of marrying ever, Ralph, though I would beg you not to speak of that to anyone, even Kate. I shall . . . always hold you in the greatest affection.” Charity rose abruptly and turned her back to him so that he would be unable to see her swiftly brush away the tear that escaped.
    Ralph rose, too, and stood helplessly gazing at her back. “I had hoped we could have a home of our own, build a modest house on the farm, or live on the estate near Rugby,” he said despondently.
    “Say no more, I beg you,” she gasped, digging in her reticule for the wisp of lace which must serve to stem the flow of tears which she could no longer withhold.
    “I’ve distressed you!” Ralph cried, mortified, as he saw her furtively put the handkerchief to her eyes. “Wouldn’t do so for the world! Forgive me! I’m the clumsiest of fellows.” He distractedly forced his hand through his thick blond hair, making it stand on end.
    Charity turned to soothe his agitation, and a hysterical desire to laugh at the sight of his upright hair checked the flow of her tears. He looked so forlorn in his despair that her already overburdened heart could take no more, and she fled without another word. Ralph watched her retreat in numb hopelessness. He finally gathered his wits about him enough to head for the stables.
    “My curricle, Harris,” he ordered absently, “with the bays.” When this vehicle was ready, he asked, “Should be a full moon tonight, what?”
    “Yes, a fine evening,” Harris responded as he stood patiently at the horses’ heads.
    “I shall go alone. Send word to the Hall that I may spend the night at Mr. Karst’s.”
    “Very good, sir,” the groom replied. He could see that Mr. Montgomery was upset, and it would no doubt be wiser for him to stay the night with his friend if he were in his cups, as Harris felt sure he would be.
    But it was not Ralph’s plan that he should spend the evening with Benjamin before a warming fire, a glass of brandy in his hand. It had occurred to him that they had too long put off their night race to Bath and back. The weather appeared likely to hold; there was no sign of fresh snow. The dull gray sky surmounted a landscape deep frozen with