Only For Love (A Novella)

Only For Love - Chapter Five

The English Countryside was as beautiful as Clara had imagined. As she watched the scenery whisk by the window of the carriage, she was reminded of her home in Kansas. 

"This is Lancaster's Country Estate, Dragon's Crossing." 

Clara turned to her grandmother, who was leaning against the opposite side of the carriage, "Dragon's Crossing?" 

"It is an odd name, I grant you, but it was built by Richard's great-great-grandparents years ago." Lady Eleanor pulled in a breath, and spasmed with coughing before continuing, "It is a beautiful house." 

Turning back to the window, Clara gave our her own deep sigh.

"What is it, my dear? You seem sad." 

"Not sad." Clara shook her head emphatically, "I am just curious." 

"Curious?" 

"We spent nearly a month in London. We went to so many parties, but..." 

"I know the extra time in London was more than I promised but we can relax now." 

"I don't mind the extra time in London, grandmother. I just wondered why Richard...I mean, Lord Grossmont did not called on you while we were there." 

Lady Eleanor grinned, "I am sure if Lord Grossmont had been able to call, he would have. He has had much to do at his estate." 

"He was in London." 

"Was he?" 

"Yes," Clara folded her arms, "I know he was. I saw him at one of the balls. He pretended not to know me." 

"Did he?" 

"Lady Elizabeth Henning told me he is a scoundrel." 

Eleanor chuckled, which turned into a coughing fit. When she could breath again, she answered, "Do not believe everything you are told, my dear. Richard is a good man." 

"Lady Sophia Morrison informed me that Richard compromised a young woman, and refused to marry her." 

Pursing her lips, Eleanor paused, seeming to search for the words, "There are young women, who choose to put themselves in harms way. They attempt to trick men into marriage." 

"Is that what happened?" 

Eleanor nodded, "It has happened many times. Though Richard tries to keep the matter private. He has given money to the young ladies in hopes that they will quietly go away, but the young ladies occasionally bring the incident into the open hoping to force him to marry them to avoid a scandal." 

"But he will not marry a woman simply to avoid a scandal?" 

"No, he will not." 

Clara shook her head in wonder, "Why must people resort to such schemes? What would a marriage be if it begins with such deception?" 

"It is the title they wish to achieve. They do not care for the marriage. To some, it is a means to an end." 

"But, shouldn't marriage be a loving union?" 

"Love is not necessary for marriage." 

"But..." Clara blushed as she asked, "how is it possible to produce a child without love?" 

Eleanor laughed heartily, "Oh, my dear, that is just the physical form of love. It does not require emotion." 

The carriage slowed to a stop in front of an enormous house, "This is your country house?" 

"It is." 

"I expected it to be small. Like my farm house."  

"It is smaller than the house in London."