by Jane Charles
He’d been in here earlier when he had inquired about the coal and firewood. “I came to see if you are in need of firewood or coal.”
“We’ll get what we need ourselves,” she answered.
“You are also severely short of staff and I don’t mind being of service.”
“If you want to be of service, then sample these biscuits.” She pushed a plate toward him.
“If I must.” He grinned and took one.
“You mustn’t come here again. You are a guest,” she chastised him.
“My great-aunts are guests, I simply accompanied them, and I’m far more comfortable here.” A bit of melancholy swept over him. “It reminds me of being a child in Kentucky. We didn’t have a grand home, nor did we have servants. Only men hired to help in the fields and on the farm.”
She tsked. “The son of a duke living as such. It just isn’t right.”
“It was his choice,” Caleb assured her, though he wondered how different his life might have been had his father and mother remained in England and not settled in America.
“Thank you for taking care of the fire, Mr. Copeland,” the housemaid said as she entered, carrying yet another bucket of coal.
“It’s my pleasure,” he assured her. And it was. It gave him something to do besides watching gentlemen try to impress Lady Lucinda. He now understood why she found the coming days to be tedious.
Caleb finished his biscuit and stepped outside where he took a deep breath of crisp winter air. What he needed was to ride, fast and hard, and perhaps that would reduce some of the restlessness that plagued him of late. It came from not having anything to do. One could only take tea and read the newssheets for so long before one needed to do something! Caleb’s entire life had been filled with work, from the farm in Kentucky to the plantation in New Orleans. He didn’t know how to be a man of leisure and hadn’t learned the art during the year and a half that he’d been in England.
Maybe the answer to his anxiousness was to return home and carve out a place to live as he pleased. He’d only remained in England to support his brother, but Darius was settled into learning what he needed to one day be a duke, and his sisters who remained were looking forward to attending yet another Season in London. There really was nothing to keep him here.
As he stepped into the stables he was greeted by the whinnies of several horses, but not a person in sight.
“Hello?” he called.
“I’ll be right with you,” a young voice called from deep within. A moment later, two lads ran out, filthy from head to toe. “Do you need your horse, Mr. Copeland?”
“Is no one else here to help you?” Caleb enquired.
“No, sir. They are quarantined,” the other boy answered.
“How many horses are you responsible for?”
The lads looked at each other, before the youngest answered. “His Grace has ten hunters, eight carriage horses, six riding horses and five work horses.”
“No stablemaster? No grooms? No other stablehands?”
“No, Mr. Copeland. Just us.”
They couldn’t be older than twelve and it was impossible to take care of all these horses on their own.
“What of the horses belonging to the guests?”
“The drivers and grooms are seeing to their own horses.”
Thank goodness for that.
“Did you want me to saddle your horse?” the older one asked.
It had been his intention to ride, but there was a greater need to be met. “That is not necessary.” Besides, if he were going to ride, he could saddle his own horse. “Let me help you.”
The lad’s eyes grew wide. “No. You couldn’t. It wouldn’t be right, Mr. Copeland. You’re a guest.”
A bloody guest who shouldn’t be a guest and who needed something to occupy his time. The stables offered the perfect solution. “As a guest this is what I wish to do. You wouldn’t deny me that pleasure, would you?”
The lad frowned. “No…I suppose…but it isn’t right.”
“I’ll decide what is right and what isn’t,” he insisted. “Now, shall we see that the horses have plenty of feed and that the stalls are cleaned?”
“Yes, Mr. Copeland, and thank you Mr. Copeland,” the younger one said.
Dinner had already come and gone by the time he and the lads stepped out of the stables. During his cleaning, Caleb had come across the man who had driven his aunts’ carriage, and asked that he assist the lads, to which he readily agreed. He’d not been aware of the situation, though thought it odd that there were so few stablehands about.
“Thank you again, Mr. Copeland.”
“It was my pleasure.” Which it truly was. He enjoyed working in the stables, even the nastier parts such as mucking out stalls. “Get something to eat and some sleep. These next days are going to be exhausting.”
Four
This morning had been a pleasant surprise and Lucinda enjoyed her visit with Lord F, though it was quickly decided that they would not suit. And now that her ten lords had been reduced to nine before luncheon, she went in search of Mr. Copeland.
He’d disappeared yesterday and never returned, not even for supper or breakfast, and she’d looked forward to seeing him again. It took a bit, but Lucinda finally found him near the woodshed and watched as he lifted the axe, his muscular shoulders and arms straining against the linen of his shirt, before he brought it down, splitting the wood. He took the two pieces and tossed them in a growing pile before he prepared to split another.
“May I ask what you are doing?” she called.
Mr. Copeland stopped and turned. Lucinda nearly sucked in a breath at the vision. His coat and waistcoat had been discarded, as well as his cravat, if he’d worn one, and his linen shirt was open at his neck with sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Such a fine form of a man.
“It’s not obvious?” he questioned with a bit of teasing in his green eyes. “My first impression of you was that of intelligence.”
“I can see that you are chopping wood,” she laughed. “Why?”
“There isn’t enough to sustain the manor before the servants return,” he answered, setting the axe aside.
Lucinda glanced into the woodshed. “It’s not so depleted.”
“Not as of yet,” he stated. “However, I am also doing this for me.”
This took her aback. “Why?”
“Restlessness, I suppose.” He picked up the axe and in one powerful swing, split another log. “Why are you out here? Weren’t you supposed to be courted by one of your leaping lords this morning?
“Don’t call them that.” Lucinda laughed.
“It’s preferable to the other names I’ve considered.” He grinned.
“In that I must agree, as I’ve had a few unpleasant thoughts as well.” Lucinda stepped closer. “Perhaps we can share and compare one day.”
Copeland put a hand on his heart. “I wouldn’t dare voice my uncharitable thoughts in the presence of a lady.”
Oh, she did like Mr. Copeland, very much.
As he placed another log on the stump to be split, she began gathering the ones cut to be stacked.
“I can see to stacking the wood,” he said.
“If a guest in our home is chopping wood, the least I can do is stack it for him,” she insisted.
“A lady should not—”
“—Be careful what you say, Mr. Copeland, for if I hear one more time what my place should be, I just might box your ears.”
“My pardon,” he bowed as he laughed.
Besides, gathering wood and stacking it was a simple enough task. If anyone knew how often she helped load and unload smuggled crates in the caves below the manor, they’d not think her so frail.
Lady Lucinda was one of the most interesting, delightful and beautiful ladies Caleb had ever encountered. “You never answered my question. Why aren’t you with your lords?”
“This morning I was to spend time with Lord F, but we came to an agreement that we’d not suit.�
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Caleb blinked. “That was rather quick and decisive.”
“Lord F wasn’t here for me.” She laughed. “He accepted in hopes of spending time with my sister, Violet. Grandmother applauded his initiative.”
“Only nine lords left to leap.” Caleb swung the axe splitting another piece of wood. “I look forward to seeing who is standing in the end.” Though, he’d be surprised if she settled on anyone. He’d wandered into the billiards room last evening. Not that he wished to enjoy their company, but to see how they behaved out of sight of Her Grace, his aunts, and more importantly, Lady Lucinda.
For the most part, most were useless fops filled with their own importance. When Lord G asked him to stoke the fire, Caleb tossed back his drink and left them to their discomfort.
However, it wasn’t him they needed to impress and though he didn’t know Lady Lucinda he suspected she could see through to their true personalities.
“You’re quite proficient at chopping wood, Mr. Copeland,” she offered. “I doubt anyone inside could even lift an axe.”
He didn’t disagree. “I’ve years of chopping wood.”
“How so?” She went about stacking the wood as if she’d done it many times before.
“I was raised on a farm in Kentucky. We didn’t have servants for the chores. When we moved to New Orleans, everyone was needed for the plantation. Even though we employed people to work in the fields, there were times every member of the household needed to assist, especially during the planting season and harvest.”
She smiled and nodded. “Tell me of your family.”
“Lady Lucinda, this is where you’ve gone off to.”
Caleb looked up to find Lord G striding toward them.
“It’s luncheon. Everyone is looking for you.”
“I’m simply assisting Mr. Copeland.”
“By stacking wood?” He pulled back in disgust. “I don’t know what you are used to in America, Mister Copeland, but ladies in England do not stack wood.”
“Are you acquainted with all ladies in England?” Lady Lucinda asked with curiosity.
“Well, no, of course not, but you are a daughter of a duke.”
“Oh, goodness me.” She placed a hand against her breast. “I’d forgotten I was helpless. Thank you for coming along and reminding me of that fact, Lord G. I will be forever in your debt.” She then fluttered her eyelashes.
It was all Caleb could do not to laugh.
Lord G scowled, but wisely held his tongue.
Lady Lucinda turned. “Are you going to join us Mr. Copeland?”
“No, thank you, my lady.” He bowed. “I do thank you for your assistance, especially since I too had forgotten you were helpless.” With that he winked since Lord G had already turned his back.
Not only did Caleb like her, but so would his family.
Five
Lucinda stood in the entry, tapped her kid boot upon the marble tile and waited for Lord E to make his exit.
He was the reason ladies needed to be chaperoned.
How dare he!
“Lady Lucinda, you misunderstood,” he insisted as he came down the stairs, a footman carrying his trunk following. “My desire for you is so great that I was unable to contain my passion.” He stopped before her, which made Lucinda recoil.
“Out.” She pointed to the door.
“I thought you returned my affection, or I would have never—”
“—Pushed me back on the settee and kissed me without permission the moment a chaperone stepped from the room.” Her voice rose. “I never wish to see you again, Lord E.
“You don’t understand,” he begged. “I must marry an heiress and a title. My family is destitute.”
“Then I suggest you find a lady who appreciates you and then court her properly.” Again, Lucinda pointed to the door. “Leave.”
“I admit, I overstepped, but I believe you are overreacting.”
To which she gasped.
“Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with His Grace, for a reasonable discussion, void of feminine emotion.”
If she were a man, Lucinda would call him out. “I will not ask you again. Leave or I will have you removed.”
Her other guests began to emerge from separate areas of the manor, much to Lucinda’s embarrassment, but she held her ground.
He straightened. “I took liberties that I should not.” Lord E’s voice was loud enough for all to hear. “Therefore, I must speak with His Grace.”
Maybe if they thought her ruined, they’d all leave. Not that she wished her reputation soiled, but it would bring an end to this house party.
“You’ve nothing to discuss with my father,” Lucinda bit out.
“You are a lady, thus, no decision is yours.”
“The lady asked you to leave.”
Lucinda glanced to the entry to find Mr. Copeland, his face hard and hands fisted.
“This is none of your concern, Copeland. It is between me and His Grace.”
“His Grace has made it clear that all decisions are Lady Lucinda’s and she has asked you to leave.”
“I’m certain he would change his mind if he knew what occurred between us privately.”
“Nothing!” Lucinda gasped. “I resent you implying more occurred than it did.”
“A lady’s denials are rarely believed.” Lord E had the audacity to smile. “All that is necessary is what is believed by Society.”
Before Lucinda could react to the threat, Mr. Copeland stormed forward and planted Lord E a facer that knocked him unconscious.
“Please place him in the carriage and direct his driver to deliver him home.” She turned to her guests. “You are free to believe what you will, but if you choose Lord E’s claim over mine, I prefer you leave.”
As soon as Aunt Joanna had found Caleb, beside herself with worry, and explained what had occurred when she’d stepped from the room for a moment, he hurried to the manor, only to find Lord E refusing to leave and then adding further insult. The rest of her lords stood around gaping, and perhaps judging, but not one stepped in to assist or defend Lady Lucinda, so he did what was needed and then had the trash removed.
“Yes, well good riddance to him.” Lord A sniffed.
“It’s a shame what some gentlemen will stoop to,” added Lord B.
“Well, now that we are gathered, shall we begin the picnic,” Lord H offered brightly.
Lady Lucinda gaped at them.
“Gentlemen,” Lord I stepped forward. “I don’t believe Lady Lucinda wishes to be near any of us, let alone on a picnic. Nor do I blame her.” He frowned.
“You are correct, Lord I.” She offered him a kind smile. “If you will all excuse me.” She then lifted her skirts and disappeared above stairs.
“Bloody Hell! If Lord E has ruined this for me, I’ll see him pay,” Lord C complained as he marched off.
“Thank goodness, it’s rather brisk for a picnic,” Lord H announced. “Who picnics on December twenty-ninth?”
Lord I rolled his eyes. “It’s hardly cold. In fact, I’m enjoying the mild temperatures along the coast and I’d hardly call the weather brisk.” He turned on his heel and marched away.
Caleb shook his head and returned outside.
“Wait, Mr. Copeland,” Lord K called, following him onto the path leading to the back of the manor.
Caleb stopped and turned.
“You seem to know the estate well,” he said.
“No more than you,” Caleb answered. He’d seen Lord K standing at the cliffs early this morning, spyglass in hand. The sun was barely up, and he’d wondered what the gentleman was about. Caleb had a reason to rise early, Lord K did not.
“I assumed you were coming to know the estate as you’ve not spent any time in our company.”
“I accompanied my aunts, I’m not here to court Lady Lucinda,” Caleb reminded him.
“What do you know of smuggling in the area?”
“Nothing.” Caleb frowned. “Is that why you s
tood at the cliffs this morning? Searching for smugglers?”
“I was simply curious, seeing a boat near the shore.”
“Most would assume that it was a fisherman.”
“Yes, of course.” He cleared his throat. “I dabble in writing, if you must know, and my imagination saw smugglers.” His laugh was not convincing. “Well, good day, Mr. Copeland.”
Six
Lucinda ducked behind the corner when she saw Mr. Copeland speaking with Lord K because she didn’t want to encounter any of the leaping lords.
Ever since Copeland had addressed them as such, she’d not been able to think of them in any other manner.
Their voices drifted to her and Lucinda stiffened when she heard “smuggling”. A boat had come in before dawn and it had taken three times as long to unload given most of the servants and her family were gone. But why was Lord K out so early to have seen it and asking questions?
“Do you often hide and eavesdrop on conversations?”
She nearly jumped at Mr. Copeland’s voice. “If you must know, I was hiding from Lord K. I’ve little patience for any of them at the moment.”
He nodded as if he understood. “I thought you retreated above stairs.”
“Only so that I could take the servant stairs to leave the manor,” she admitted.
“Were you set to run away?” Humor twinkled in his green eyes. “I’m certain I’d be tempted.”
“The idea is very tempting,” she admitted.
“I’d be happy to ready your horse.”
It was a shame that Mr. Copeland wasn’t here to court her because he was the only male guest at Forester Hall that she enjoyed spending time with. Further, he was unquestionably the most handsome.
“I’m not certain I will go so far as to leave. But a pleasant stroll would be nice.”
“Your wish is my command.” He offered his arm to her.
Lady Lucinda grinned and slipped her gloved hand into the crook of his arm. “What have you been doing with yourself, Mr. Copeland? We didn’t see you at supper, nor this morning, until you came to my rescue.”
