Free The Marriage Market by Cathy Spencer Page A

morning post,” Victoria said as they shared a pot of tea in the morning room.  She was writing letters at the table while David studied the estate ledger.
    “What is it, my love?” he responded without looking up.
    She held up a thick sheet of creamy engraved paper.  “The Pursings are holding a ball at Bailey Hall the Saturday after next.  Mr. Pursing has included a note saying that they are inviting James, too.  We must ask James to stay the weekend with us should he decide to come.”
    David put down the ledger and rubbed his eyes.  “With her parents hosting the ball, Miss Pursing will be the centre of attention, for once.  I am glad that she will be given this opportunity to shine.  As to James, do you think that it was the young lady’s idea to invite him, or do I detect your influence there?”
    Victoria rose from her chair with a small, self-satisfied smile, and walked around the table to David’s chair.  He opened his arms wide, and she sat down in his lap and nestled against his chest.  “Actually, I am really quite pleased with myself, David.  I know that Miss Pursing admires James, and I believe that he finds her charming.  They only need opportunities to become better acquainted before something develops.  I did mention to Mr. Pursing that a dance would be just the thing to chase away our winter doldrums, and see how richly the hint has paid off!”
    David shook his head while Victoria beamed at him.  He considered her for a moment before saying in a low, menacing voice, “You are a dangerous woman, Mrs. Ladbrook.  I think it only fair to distract your conniving female mind from poor James for a time.”  Victoria squealed as he jumped to his feet and carried her out of the room.
    The ball occurred on a soft April evening.  Bailey Hall was a one-storey, sprawling building located on a principal parish road.  The laneway leading up to the entrance was just wide enough to allow carriages to turn around and drive away again after depositing their occupants.  Light streamed from the front entrance where Mr. and Mrs. Pursing and their daughter stood welcoming their guests.  Mr. Pursing greeted each gentleman with a clasp of the hand or a slap on the back, while Mrs. Pursing dispensed nods and gracious smiles.  Miss Pursing, in pale pink silk and matching slippers, greeted her guests with shy smiles and words of welcome. 
    When it was their turn to enter the foyer, Mr. Pursing greeted James with a slap on the shoulder.  “Glad to see you, Wovington.  Good of you to make the trip from town.”  
    “Very kind of you to include me, sir,” James responded.  Turning to his hostesses, he remarked, “Mrs. Pursing, you look especially well tonight.  Miss Pursing, you are dazzling in that gown.  Tell me, do you have any dances free, or am I too late?”
    “I have the third available, sir,” she responded with hopeful eyes.
    “Please save that one for me – it will be the highlight of my evening.  But you must not allow me to detain you from your other guests."  He departed after another bow, Miss Pursing’s eyes trailing after him.
    The ballroom was a large, rectangular space lit by double wall sconces and a fire blazing in a huge stone hearth.  Comfortable chairs were grouped around the edges of the room for those who preferred conversation to dancing.  The musicians were gathered on a small wooden balcony suspended above the dance floor, while double-doors led into a walled garden.
    The Ladbrooks mingled with the other guests, greeting friends and introducing James to them.  At one point, Victoria leant towards him and whispered, “There are so many unattached young ladies here tonight, James.  I am sure that your company will be much in demand.  You are such a fine dancer.”
    “Their happiness will be my only concern, Victoria.  By the way, will you save the second dance for me?  I am sure that Ladbrook has engaged you for the first, but he cannot monopolize you for