Page 24 of The Indigo Heiress

23

Distance lends enchantment to the view.

Thomas Campbell

“Before Zipporah and I leave on our honeymoon, I have something to discuss with you,” Father said to Juliet the next morning. He shut the parlor door with grim finality, hemming them in.

“Me, not Loveday too?” Rarely did he single them out. It portended something dire, truly.

“Only you.” He gestured to a chair nearest the hearth. “You look quite spent, poppet. At the wedding reception Dr. Blair said there’s a malady going round town. I don’t want you falling ill whilst we’re away.”

“I shan’t, Father. Don’t worry a tad about that.”

“Rest all you can. This season is proving as hectic as it is joyous. We’ll be celebrating with the Ravenals day after tomorrow at their residence following church. They’ve invited us for Christmas dinner.”

The news left her more weary—and a bit vexed. How could she continue facing Leith Buchanan?

“I must back up a bit.” He took an iron poker and stabbed the fire. “’Tis been nearly a year since you and Loveday had your miniatures painted by Copley. What you don’t know is that I sent both of them to Scotland with my London agent shortly thereafter.”

What? She looked to her lap, her hands folded against her quilted indigo petticoat, steeling herself. His voice—that low, brook-no-argument tone—allowed for no interruption.

“He delivered the miniatures to Glasgow along with my proposition.”

Proposition. Never had the word seemed so ... alarming.

“I asked Buchanan to choose betwixt you and Loveday based on the miniatures.” He paused to clear his throat. “He sent Loveday’s back to me.”

She tried to make sense of what he was saying. Copley’s miniature, the debt, the impossible proposal. What else was he withholding? “He chose her?”

“Nay. After consulting with Ravenal, he chose you.”

“He—what?” Panic raised her gaze and her voice. “Why?”

“I am done with debt. I offered your hand in exchange for his clearing accounts, at least where Royal Vale is concerned. My other plantations I shall sell in the new year. Belle Isle already has a buyer. Vasanti Hall is a leader in Caribbean sugar production, as you know, so it shan’t take long to unload that either.”

Her hand offered in exchange for clearing a debt? Leith Buchanan must think her family a scheming horde.

To make matters worse, she’d been bested by the very man she disdained. A rebuke to her presumed intelligence and pride. She should have handled matters with more finesse. All had misfired badly. Did he still have her miniature?

“I had hoped that by his coming here, you’d become amicable, at least—a fine precursor to marriage. He wanted to tell you how matters stand from the first, but I objected. I refrained from saying anything about our agreement until he’d had a chance to meet you and perhaps win you over.”

“Which he has not.” Her voice sounded strangled as she battled between composure and tears. The sudden beating at her temples promised a violent headache.

“You will honor my wishes as any dutiful daughter would do amid marriage negotiations.” He cleared his throat again, a grating sound. “Regardless of how you feel about the matter, the arrangement stands.”

Feelings. Hadn’t she just lectured Loveday about marriage being first and foremost a contract? The irony lashed her with a vengeance.

“When is our”—Juliet swallowed past the painful ache in her throat—“marriage to take place?”

“I’ve left that decision to you and Buchanan.”

“What of Loveday?”

“She’ll go with you to Scotland, of course. Marriage prospects there are far better than here. I’m confident she’ll make the same illustrious match as you. You’ll lack for nothing in future.”

“What of you and Zipporah?”

“We’ll retire to her home in London ... permanently.”

Another blow. “You’re leaving Virginia for good?”

“As soon as possible, before that liberty is denied us. All those loyal to the British Crown must return to the mother country or face the consequences of remaining here. There’s even talk our estates will be seized by a new colonial government. If that happens I shall lose everything, so I must act quickly and secure my finances.” His frown eased. “Surely it gives you some comfort to know we’ll all be in Britain together henceforth.”

“Does Loveday know of this?”

He paused as Zipporah’s voice sounded in the foyer. More visitors were arriving with congratulations on their nuptials and a happy Christmas.

Reaching out, Father squeezed her cold hand before standing. “I want you to tell her. I’m sure she’ll rejoice that you’re not to be parted.”

For that alone I can be thankful.