The Convenient Felstone Marriage (Whitby Weddings 1)

‘It’s quite impressive the first time you see it.’ Robert’s voice held a hint of pride.

‘I think it must be impressive at any time.’ She felt mesmerised by the sight. ‘How do we get down?’

He gestured towards a narrow flight of steps. ‘Don’t say we didn’t warn you. It’s still not too late for a carriage.’

Ianthe lifted her chin rebelliously, starting down the long, winding steps as Matthew scampered on ahead. The boy had been right, the temperature was far warmer than she’d expected and getting hotter every moment. The extra exertion was making her heavy clothes feel itchy as well, though at least it distracted her mind from its fear of the outdoors. How many steps could there possibly be? She must have counted a hundred already.

‘Can I play on the beach?’ Matthew was already at the bottom, hopping from foot to foot impatiently.

‘Stay where we can see you.’ Robert took her arm as they finally reached the pavement. ‘And no swimming!’

Ianthe averted her face as they walked along the harbourside, trying to hide her flaming cheeks. She was so hot she felt faint. If only she could take off her cloak, but that wouldn’t be respectable...

‘He’s not my son.’

‘What?’ She spun towards him in surprise, temperature suddenly forgotten. ‘I didn’t say...’

‘But you thought it.’

‘Ye-es.’ She had a feeling

he’d know if she was lying. ‘You’re just so alike.’

‘I know, but he’s not mine. You should know that.’

They stepped on to the pier, and she glanced towards the beach on the west side of the harbour wall, to where Matthew was already playing with a group of other boys. He was throwing stones into the sea, his black hair gleaming with blue lights in the sunshine. Even from a distance the resemblance was almost uncanny. Surely Robert knew how obvious their relation was? Still, if he wanted her to believe it, who was she to argue? She had her own pretence to maintain after all.

‘All right.’

‘I should have explained the other night, but I find certain subjects difficult to talk about.’

‘I understand. It’s none of my business.’

‘It is. You’re my wife. You have a right to know some things. Matthew isn’t my son, but I’m raising him as one. I’ve given him a home and my name. It was his mother’s last request and I intend to honour it. That’s all I can tell you.’

‘Oh.’ She didn’t know how else to answer. He seemed genuine, but surely he knew how far-fetched his denial sounded. Why didn’t he just admit the truth? It wasn’t as if it would bother her. Or did he think she was too respectable to hear it?

‘As for my mother...’ He sounded tense again. ‘We weren’t close, but I wouldn’t want you to think ill of her.’

‘Why would I think ill of her?’ She looked up at him in surprise.

‘Because the other night you seemed upset by what I told you. Given the circumstances, I’d understand if you were bothered by the connection, though I would have preferred it if you’d mentioned it sooner.’

‘I thought no such thing!’ She wrenched her arm out of his indignantly.

‘You left in a hurry.’

‘Not because of that!’

His severe expression seemed to ease slightly. ‘Then I’m sorry. I’ve been told before that my past makes me a less-than-desirable match. Perhaps I misinterpreted your behaviour.’

‘If you thought that, then, yes, you did! If I was upset it was because I was sorry for bringing the subject up. Sorry for your mother, too. It must have very hard for her.’ Despite her anger, she found herself regarding him sympathetically. ‘For both of you.’

‘It was. Most people only insulted her behind her back, but there were others who spread gossip openly.’

‘Some people don’t understand how much words can hurt.’

‘Most don’t care.’