Briar Patch by Linda Sole

She was fortunate that Tom Blake had caught the horse for her. If Rascal had returned to the stable alone and injured she would have found it humiliating.
    Smiling, she nodded to the groom and set off for the dower house. She had been away longer than she intended because Mrs Blake had been talkative and she had felt it would be rude to rush away even when Tom returned with the horse.
    She had enjoyed herself. The farmhouse kitchen was large and clean. Roz suspected it was cleaner than the kitchen at the hall and there had been a lovely smell of herbs and baking. Sitting in the rocking chair by the inglenook, Roz had been reluctant to leave. She thought that if she’d been Ellen Blake’s daughter she would have been content to stay at home.
    Laughing at her own thoughts, Roz shook her head. Her future was set; to change things now would cause unnecessary hurt and scandal. Besides, what changes were open to her? The smile faded as Roz faced reality. She had escaped for an hour or two but nothing had changed.
    â€˜Do you think I’m pretty?’ Mary Jane asked as Tom brought her a glass of lemon barley. ‘Jack Dawson was here a minute ago. He wanted me to dance but I said I was with you.’
    The village hall was not large and crowded with men and women: some young couples and others who had come as a family for a Saturday night treat. The noise of laughter and children’s voices could be heard above the fiddler and Mrs Swindon banging away with more enthusiasm than skill on the pianoforte.
    â€˜Well, I brought you here, but you can dance with anyone you like.’ Tom gave her a brooding look. ‘You’re pretty, Mary Jane – the prettiest girl here, but I’ve promised nothing. You’re free to dance with Jack if you want.’
    â€˜Don’t be so sharp, Tom,’ Mary Jane said. ‘You know you’re the only one I want.’
    Tom drank deeply of his beer. It was his third that evening. He couldn’t shake off his feelings of loss and regret. Mary Jane was here and willing. He only had to say the word and she’d do anything he asked. It was ridiculous to lie in bed at night with his body and mind on fire with need, thinking of Roz. Sometimes he let himself dream of kissing her – of taking her. Tom wouldn’t take her in a hurry the way his mates took girls down behind the riverbank. Silk sheets and Roz in a white gown of lace . . . Tom brought his thoughts back to the present. Mary Jane was looking at him oddly. He put his empty glass down.
    â€˜This one is a barn dance. I can do that – give me your hand.’ She hesitated and he arched his brow. ‘Do you want to dance or not?’
    â€˜I want to dance – but you know what I want more, Tom Blake. I want you to wed me.’
    â€˜Well, mebbe I will,’ he said and grinned at her. ‘You be nice to me later, Mary Jane, and we’ll see.’
    â€˜I’ll be good to you,’ she said and giggled. ‘You’ll be bound to marry me then, Tom Blake – or your ma will take her stick to your backside.’
    Tom smiled and pulled her close to him, whispering in her ear. She giggled and nibbled at his neck. Tom felt his body respond. She was pretty and tempting – and she was available.

Seven
    â€˜You look beautiful.’ Lady Thornton dabbed at her eyes with a lace kerchief. ‘I am so proud of you – and so pleased you’ve found a decent man to marry.’
    Roz kissed her cheek. ‘Harry says we shall be away for about three weeks. I think he is taking me to Paris but I’m not certain. Philip should be home before then so you will have Julia for company.’
    â€˜It won’t be the same as having you,’ Lady Thornton said and sniffed. ‘Mr Rushden says I shall be welcome at the Towers whenever I wish. You will invite me to stay sometimes, Roz?’
    â€˜Of course, Mama. I think we should go down now. I don’t want to