Read Online Pasha by Julian Stockwin - Free Book Online

have given a form of betrothal to a—a commoner? With all the noble families of England more than happy to make a connection with ours? Others may well reckon it a rash and imprudent act—but fortunately it is not too late.”
    â€œMama, I pledged my troth.”
    â€œYes, dear. And now we have to do what we must to remedy the situation.”
    â€œI’ve given her my word, Mama.”
    â€œI’m sure you meant it, dear. Now, not to drag it on unnecessarily, what amount would you say would satisfy, that would see her departure in good grace?”
    â€œMama, I told you, we are engaged to be married.”
    â€œYou are saying she is in a certain condition that requires a hasty arrangement.” The countess sighed. “This brings complications, it’s true, but nothing that cannot be attended to with a favourable outcome to both parties. It is not unknown that—”
    â€œMama,” Renzi said, with increasing feeling. “Listen to me!”
    He waited until he had her full attention, then spoke with a forcefulness and intensity that was unstoppable. “Know that my heart is entirely lost to the woman. There is no one—none—in this mortalexistence that I would otherwise contemplate in a life’s union.
    â€œI love her, Mama. I love Cecilia with all my heart and soul, and before God I say I will marry her!”
    The dowager stood up with great dignity and moved to the mantelpiece, fingering its ornate marble carvings. “I see,” she replied, after some moments, clearly taken aback by the fervour and sincerity of his declaration. “Yet I cannot believe you have reflected fully on the consequences.”
    Renzi stood, but said nothing, returning her gaze with defiance.
    â€œA belted earl marrying beneath him to such a degree—it will be a scandal. All will ask why this must be, and will not fail to suggest good reasons to this end.”
    â€œI care not for—”
    â€œBut you must in your position, my dear. What if—”
    â€œMother, it is done. I will not retract. It must be Cecilia or none. Do you not see this?”
    A faint smile eventually came. “I believe that indeed you truly love her.”
    The smile warmed. “And for that how can I not give my blessing? Marry your Cecilia and I will rejoice for you both.”
    Renzi took her hand and kissed it. “Thank you, Mama—thank you.”
    â€œSociety will howl, but what is that against the joining of two lovers in blessed happiness?”
    â€œYou will love her, too, Mama. She has qualities of … gentility and politeness above her station, and her practicality in matters …”
    They finally reached the woods at the edge of the estate. Walking together as in a dream, the two stopped and held hands, looking into each other’s eyes. “Cecilia, my darling love. There’s something I must know,” he said tenderly, but with an edge of seriousness.
    â€œNicholas?” she answered softly.
    â€œIt will affect our marriage, our life together, and I must have an answer.”
    She hesitated. “What is it, my dearest?”
    He looked at her with an odd expression. “You gave your heart to one Nicholas Renzi. Can you find it in you to love the Lord Farndon at all?”
    She smiled playfully. “Nicholas, I fell in love with Mr Renzi and he it is who has secured my entire devotion. If Lord Farndon lays siege to my affections he will have to woo me with yet greater ardour.”
    They kissed, long and tenderly.
    â€œMy darling, there is—”
    â€œSweetheart, I—”
    â€œYou first, my dear Cecilia.”
    â€œYou have precedence, my lord.”
    â€œThen in the matter of our nuptials, dear love. At our station even St Paul’s Cathedral is available to us in a great affair of moment and ceremony. Yet I feel it … improper to indulge in pomp and display while the family is in mourning. Can you …