Beneath the Major's Scars by Sarah Mallory

Author:Sarah Mallory [Mallory, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-12-02T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Zelah was still dazed when she returned to West Barton that evening and it was a relief to unburden herself to her sister.

‘Do you not think it odd,’ she mused, ‘that a man who so very recently lived as a recluse should suddenly take it into his head to hold a ball?’

Maria was inclined to be complacent. ‘That is the life he has been used to.’

‘But up until a few days ago he could not bear to look at himself in the mirror. He kept the salon in darkness.’

‘Yes, until you showed him how nonsensical it was. You are a beneficial influence, Zelah. Think how much he has changed since he has met you.’

‘He would have come about, even without me, but a ball! That is most unexpected.’

‘He appeared to be enjoying himself at the assembly,’ returned Maria, her eyes twinkling. ‘Perhaps someone gave him the hint.’

‘Yes, but the worst thing is, he insists that I should be there. I suppose that he feels he cannot leave me out, since you and Reginald are invited. We are all to dine there, too, beforehand. And I am to tell you, sister, that he will have a suite prepared for you and the children, because he knows you will not stay away long from Baby.’

‘Well, I consider that to be exceedingly kind, and beyond anything I was expecting.’ She cast a shrewd look at Zelah. ‘Major Coale must think very highly of you, my dear.’

‘I think he values the work I am doing.’

‘Are you sure that is all?’

‘Of course. What else should a viscount’s son think of a parson’s daughter?’ Zelah forced herself to speak lightly and she was glad to see the speculation fade from Maria’s eyes.

‘Oh well, at least this will give you the opportunity to mix in society.’

Zelah shook her head. ‘But I don’t want to mix.’

‘Well, you should. Who knows? There will be many gentlemen there, and dancing has been known to lead to greater things, like an offer of marriage.’

‘Maria, you know that is impossible.’

‘Not so,’ said Maria stoutly. ‘You have many qualities that an honest man would look for in a wife—’

‘Not if he knows of my past. Would you have me deceive an honest man?’ Zelah bit her lip and fixed her eyes upon her sister’s dismayed countenance. She said gently, ‘I should not be attending this ball at all. I am a fallen woman, Maria. If anyone should discover that—’

‘They won’t. No one outside Cardinham knows what happened to you—why, even Reginald and I don’t know the whole!’

No, thought Zelah, sadly, she had never told anyone about the man who had stolen her heart and her virtue. She thought back to that halcyon summer. She had been in love and thought herself loved in return. She stifled a sigh.

‘Well,’ she said brightly, ‘at least it will give me the opportunity to find out if anyone requires a governess.’

* * *

Two weeks before the ball, the major’s sister arrived. A handsome travelling carriage bowled up the drive and Zelah, watching from the tower room, saw a lady alight.

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