Chapter 18: Enter,Fallon

Rutherford Estate, 1809

Abigail Rutherford closed her parasol, as the sun disappeared in the darkening sky. Not even ten in the morning and already it seemed they were in for another dreary day of rain.

How she loved her travels abroad, away from this miserable weather. Her heart jumped with excitement as their upcoming trip to Egypt came to mind, especially since this time, Arthur had promised that Fallon could join them. It was the last time they would do anything so extravagant as a family, for soon everything would change. Lord Carrick had made his intentions clear, and Arthur had been more than willing to accept his proposal. Come the summer, Fallon would marry Lord Carrick’s son, Warren.

It was an arrangement which did not sit well with her young daughter. A husband and marriage was the last thing on her mind. She wanted excitement, to travel and see the world. Gentle, but free spirited with a steely resolve, Fallon was anything but a traditional English Rose.

“Mother? You wanted to see me?”

Abigail spun around, taking in the sight of her beautiful, only child. Fallon was dressed in a white, highwaisted muslin gown, accentuating her hourglass figure. Her dark hair hung loose around her shoulders and her head was adorned with a simple white hat, to protect her delicate complexion from the sun. Warren Carrick, would indeed be a lucky man.

“Darling, you know Lord Carrick and Warren will be paying us a visit later today. I need you on your best behaviour.”

Fallon cast her eyes down. “Yes, Mother,” she replied. “My betrothed and his father. How lucky I am.”

“You must not let your father or anyone else hear you speak that way,” Abigail admonished.   “This is a very good match, for both our families.”

Defiantly, Fallon’s eyes met her’s. “Warren is feeble of mind, Mother! What will I do with a simpleton for a husband? Am I to spend my days as a caregiver? Why can I not marry for love, and not duty?”

Abigail’s heart wrenched at her daughter's emotion. Such passion would indeed be wasted on the Carrick heir, but for Arthur’s extensive business enterprises, it would be a dream come true. Abigail wished there was another way, but there was not. Fallon had to marry him, for the sake of her family.

“He may be a bit slow and eccentric, but feeble he is not, Fallon,”Abigail said sternly. “He was in a carriage which overturned, when he was a young boy. It must have affected him somehow.”

“His mind was indeed affected, Mother. Have you noticed how he leers at me? It places great discomfort on my sensibilities.”

“Stop this Fallon. They will be here soon, and you had best behave.”

“Of course,Mother,” Fallon replied, turning away in anger. “And someday, when Lord Carrick dies and Warren inherits his title, I will be a Lady, just like Aunt Katherine.”